James "Jim" Loomis

James “Jim” Loomis, 99, of Paynesville, died Monday, April 13 at his home in Paynesville. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17 at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. The funeral will be livestreamed from Paynesville Lutheran Church at https://www.paynesvillelutheran.org/   Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.  

James Barney Loomis was born on February 22, 1927, to Barney and Eleonora (Bauch) Loomis. He grew up in Madelia, Minnesota, where he graduated from Madelia High School. He went on to enroll at Macalester College. Jim attended classes for a year before answering the call to serve his country during WWII and enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served in the Pacific Theater. He then returned to Macalester and earned his bachelor's degree in education.

On August 8, 1953, he married Betty Gerber in Norcross, Minnesota, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and commitment. The couple fulfilled their dream of living on Lake Koronis when they purchased the Koronis Lodge and surrounding property in 1959. Jim lived the rest of his life on the shores of Lake Koronis spending his final days next to Betty with his beloved lake in view. 

Jim devoted 36 years to Paynesville Public Schools, where he made a lasting impact as a teacher, coach, and athletic administrator. During his career, he continued his education, earning his master’s degree from St. Cloud State University. In 2001 he was inducted into the Minnesota Athletic Director's Hall of Fame. 

He was a member of the Paynesville American Legion Post 271, Paynesville Lions, and Paynesville Lutheran Church. Jim was known for his outgoing personality—he truly enjoyed visiting others and never missed an opportunity for conversation and connection. Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. He took great pride in being a father and grandfather, and his family was the center of his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Betty Loomis; children, Sara (Bruce) Turrell of Paynesville, Tom (Michele) Loomis of Denton, TX, John (Barbara) Loomis of Cape Charles, VA,  Robert (Kenny Wong) Loomis of Seattle, WA, Mary (Jerry) Scott of Grand Haven, MI, and Michael Loomis of Paynesville; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney & Eleonora Loomis; and sister, Ruth Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Jim & Betty Loomis Fund with Paynesville Area Community Foundation. https://www.communitygiving.org/fund/jim-and-betty-loomis-fund/